Memory Outcomes in Children Born Very Preterm and Long-term Benefits of Early Intervention for Child Development and Parental Mental Health

This thesis focused on memory outcomes in children born very preterm (VP; <32 weeks gestation) and long-term benefits of early intervention for children born VP and their parents. An increased risk of memory difficulties was shown in children born VP throughout childhood, including in working memory (ability to hold and manipulate information), episodic memory (ability to learn and recall information), and prospective memory (ability to carry out pre-planned tasks in the future). Early intervention was found to improve some outcomes in these children up to 13-years, including behaviour, and better motor outcomes in those from families with fewer resources.